Criminal Record Checks

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)

On 1 December 2012 The Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) have merged to become the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). CRB checks are now called DBS checks. The role of the DBS is to help employers in England and Wales make safer recruitment decisions and prevent unsuitable candidates from working with vulnerable groups, including patients and children.

Why do we need DBS checks?

Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975, healthcare organisations require an Enhanced DBS check and barred list check (child and adult) to be carried out where the position involves the individual having “access to patients in the course of their normal duties”. Further guidance on eligibility for NHS positions on the NHS Employers website. Therefore all doctors wanting to do locum work must apply for an Enhanced DBS Disclosure. DBS Disclosures issued from Registered Bodies other than Medecho are not accepted. Consequently, as part of our registration process, you will also be asked to declare any criminal convictions. These will be dealt with in a confidential manner.

Enhanced DBS Check with list checks (£44)

On an annual basis, we will undertake an Enhanced DBS check and barred list check (child and adult) with the DBS for doctors registered with us. The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) currently charges £44.00 for each application and must be paid for before doctors can start work with us.

Payment can be made over the phone using a debit or credit card on 020 8969 9915 (Mon – Fri 8.30am – 5.30pm); alternatively you can make a bank transfer of £44.00 to Medecho Ltd, Sort Code: 20-96-60 Account Number: 20777684. It is company policy that we receive payment before we can process your DBS application. The cost of the DBS application will be refunded to you once you have completed your first working shift through us. Please note we make no charges to assist you with the disclosure process. On completion a copy will be sent to you.

Faster DBS Application Online

Our DBS applications are completed online. You will need to provide us with ‘proof of identity’ documentation. To find out more about which documents are required for a DBS application – please click here.

The actual cost of an online DBS check is £52 but we will bear the cost of £8.00 towards your online application. As soon as you have made payment you will receive an email with a link so that you can complete the online DBS application.

Other Police Checks

There are different rules for getting a criminal record check in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Medecho are National Framework holders for NHS Scotland and HSC Northern Ireland for the supply of medical locums and we are registered bodies for both enhanced PVG (Scotland) and Access NI (Northern Ireland) Disclosures. If you are available to work in either Scotland or Northern Ireland we will pay and apply for your initial Enhanced Disclosure. For further information please feel free to contact one of our dedicated compliance team members on 020 8969 9915 or email compliance@medecho.com.